Red Cross of Constantine

The Masonic and Military Order of the Red Cross of Constantine
and the Orders of the Holy Sepulchre and of St John the Evangelist

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Constantine, a Roman, was destined for the college of Emperors but following the death of his father, he was hailed by the Legions in York as Augustus and became the Governor of Britain and Gaul. After several successful battles across the Alps and Italy he eventually established himself as the lawful Emperor of both the East and West and transferred the capital of the empire from Rome to Byzantium, later to be named after him.

It is said that his conversion to Christianity began one evening after a long day’s march with his army. He believed he saw a sign from heaven; a pillar of light in the form of a special cross. A standard bearing a cross was ordered to be carried before him in the wars. Several Christians in his army came forward and avowed their faith, following which Constantine directed that they should wear on their armour a red cross. Having been successful in battle it is said that Constantine with the help of his chief bishop, Eusebius, opened a Conclave of the Knights of the Order whose members became the bodyguard of their Sovereign.

It seems likely that the Order of the Red Cross of Constantine was being worked in England by 1780. After a number of changes to the organisation, the earliest documented date of the Order in its present form is 1865.

THE CEREMONIES
This Christian Order is in two parts. The first ceremony consists of the Candidate’s admission, obligation, and then the Installation as a Knight-Companion of the Red Cross of Constantine, in which the historical basis of the Order is also detailed.

In separate ceremonies the Knight-Companion builds on what he has already been taught and in the ceremony of the Knights of the Holy Sepulchre and St. John the Evangelist this knowledge is further expanded and the ultimate aims of Freemasonry are revealed. These, together with the two Installation ceremonies leading to the principal Chairs in the Red Cross of Constantine, are undoubtedly among the most impressive ceremonies in the whole of Freemasonry.

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RCC Baron von Hoff Conclave No527

M.Ill.Kt, Graham Leslie Flight, G.C.C., Grand Sovereign, signs the Warrant of the newest Conclave in the Order of the Red Cross of Constantine.

On Monday 4 June 2018 M.Ill.Kt, Graham Leslie Flight, G.C.C., Grand Sovereign of the Order of the Red Cross of Constantine, accompanied by his Deputy, the Grand Eusebius and a retinue of Grand Officers, visited the Uxbridge Masonic Centre to Consecrate the newest Conclave of the Order, the John, Baron von Hoff Conclave No. 527.

The Conclave falls under the Division of Middlesex and is open to Knights of the Divisional Sepulchre Guard, past and present, and Knights of the Sepulchre Guards of the surrounding Divisions.

Prior to his death in 2016 John, Baron von Hoff was a leading light in the Grand Sepulchre Guard of the Order. His reputation was legendary and he was responsible for many of their traditions, as well as designing the distinctive Mantle that members wear. Naming this Conclave in his honour is a great tribute indeed and the Grand Sovereign, R.Ill.Kt. Dennis Leigh (Intendant-General for Middlesex) and the rest of the Founders and visitors were delighted to be able to welcome Pauline, Baroness von Hoff as the guest of honour at the after-proceedings.

 

Rulers

M.Ill.Kt. Graham L. Flight, G.C.C.
Grand Sovereign

R.Ill. & Em.Kt. Christopher John Macdonald, G.C.C.
Deputy Grand Sovereign

R.Ill. & Ven.Kt. The Revd Timothy J. N. L'Estrange, G.C.C.
Grand Eusebius

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